by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 17: The victims of the fire at Rumah Austine Ikau in Nanga Sipan, Song received assistance and support from the local representative today, in an effort to ease their burden and help rebuild their longhouse following the recent fire incident.
Minister of Works and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said a total of RM145,000 was handed over, involving a donation of RM5,000 for each of the 29 households to help ease the burden of the affected victims. He said, the government has also provided assistance of RM70,000 per room for the purpose of rebuilding the longhouse.
“I hope this allocation can be used wisely, whether for building the house frame or for other needs that are truly necessary,” Nanta commented in his Facebook post.
“The government will continue to provide assistance if there are additional needs. I also advise the longhouse residents to work together with the Public Works Department (JKR) and the District Office to plan the construction of new longhouses more effectively, not only to ensure comfort and durability but also to consider safety aspects to reduce the risk of fire, such as the construction of returning walls,” he added.
Meanwhile, according to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) report, Nanta also presented the Rural Small Project (MRP) Grants to two associations, with a total allocation of RM15,000, to support the implementation of community activities in the area.
Katibas State Assemblyman (ADUN) Lidam Assan provided financial aid to the 29 households affected by the fire at Rumah Austine Ikau, amounting to a total of RM29,000 and presented MRP grants to eight associations and Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), involving a total allocation of RM44,845.
At the same event, both representatives also presented contributions in the form of portable water pumps and hoses to the Song District Volunteer Fire Brigade, to strengthen preparedness for any emergencies.
Also present were Kapit Division Resident Elvis Didit, Song District Officer Harry Bruce Edwin, Political Secretary to the Minister of Public Works Ambrose Abong Bugek, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Watson Awan, and Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Paulus Dandee. – DayakDaily
